Phasmophobia, a game that began with an accidental twist, has garnered immense success while its creator admits a disinterest in horror games. Daniel Knight expressed during his interview at the Summer Game Fest:

“I failed to make a co-op puzzle game… It just ended up being the kind of perfect fit.”
This statement highlights how a game designed without a focus on horror elements found its way into that genre.

At its core, Phasmophobia was intended as a cooperative puzzle game requiring collaboration among players, where horror elements emerged as a natural fit. “Each game is like solving a puzzle together but in a haunted setting, making teamwork essential,” Knight explained.

Knight’s journey demonstrates that creating a captivating game does not necessitate an inherent love for its genre. His experiences illustrate that sometimes, the intersection of gameplay mechanics and thematic elements can yield surprising results.